The Arrival of Smart in New Zealand’s Automotive Scene
Welcoming Smart: A New Era for Kiwi Drivers
A warm welcome to the latest entrant in New Zealand’s automotive landscape: Smart. While this brand may be unfamiliar to many Kiwis, it’s worth noting that the Smart nameplate has been around for nearly 30 years. With a brief appearance from the Smart ForTwo in the past, the company is relatively unknown here today, particularly in its modern incarnation.
What Makes Smart Distinct?
At Smart’s local launch, executives highlighted their commitment to breaking the mold in the electric vehicle (EV) space. According to New Zealand General Manager Arek Zywot, Smart is "not just another EV brand." The company prides itself on merging Western design aesthetics with Eastern technology, creating unique styling and extensive customization options, appealing to a wide audience. Currently, the brand offers two exciting models in New Zealand: the #1 small SUV and the #3 medium-sized SUV.
Introducing the Smart #3: A Fashion Statement on Wheels
During my week-long tenure with the Smart #3, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between this electric SUV and the fashion industry. The #3 seamlessly combines driving pleasure with style, embodying the concept of ‘urban chic’. This modern design ethos incorporates traditional elements to create an eye-catching vehicle that resonates with contemporary urban life.
Smart offers a fresh perspective and design to New Zealand’s automotive landscape
Diving into Design: The Art of Customization
While the Smart #1 features a sharper and more angular design, the #3 presents a fluid and rounded silhouette—reminiscent of a bubble. Buyers can choose from various body colors, roof finishes, and interior themes—totaling around 50 customizable combinations. The review model I assessed boasted a classic white body with a black roof, providing a sophisticated touch to the Smart #3, which serves as the flagship design for the brand in New Zealand.
A Nod to Luxury with a Unique Twist
The aesthetic choices evoke a ‘baby Maybach’ vibe, accentuating the luxurious allure of the vehicle. Designed collaboratively with Mercedes-Benz, the Smart #3 showcases high-end design elements while proudly promoting its own identity through pronounced branding and clever design details.
Smart #3 offsets the #1’s boxy styling with a flowing design
Dimensions that Deceive
At first glance, the Smart #3 may look compact, but a closer inspection reveals it is quite spacious. Measuring 4.4m in length, 1.84m in width, and 1.55m in height, the vehicle cleverly disguises its dimensions. Smart has strategically placed the wheels at the corners and positioned the battery low in the structure, ensuring that there’s ample room inside.
The #3’s cabin really comes alive at night
Interior Comfort and Technology
Not only does the Smart #3 offer generous space, but it also excels in technological offerings. The cabin features extensive LED ambient lighting, creating different atmospheres depending on the time of day. A panoramic glass roof enhances the airy feeling inside but comes with a notable UV protection rating—which is invaluable under the New Zealand sun. Still, it would be beneficial to have an option for a sunshade to block out heat when parked on sunny days.
A Tech-forward Experience
The tech-savvy aspect continues with the Smart #3’s interface. While there are some touch-sensitive buttons for shortcuts, the extensive feature set requires drivers to navigate through the central touchscreen for most functions. Though the vehicle is enhanced with an impressive array of driver assistance features, this potentially limits its appeal to a younger, tech-savvy demographic.
Smart branding is widely represented on the #3
Youthful Appeal with Modern Touches
Smart’s branding choices contribute to its youthful image. From its playful lowercase logo to its trendy nomenclature, the ‘#’ in its model names signifies a modern touch. Added features—like a Beats audio system and an interactive AI assistant—ensure that Smart remains relevant in today’s market.
Performance and Affordability
The Smart #3 comes in various trim levels, including a sporty variant, the #3 Brabus, which is essentially a dual-motor model designed for high performance. The Premium variant, however, focuses more on comfortable commuting rather than sporty driving. This model delivers 200 kW of power and 343 Nm of torque from a 66 kWhr battery, achieving a 0-100 kph time of 5.8 seconds—fantastic numbers for a compact EV.
Real-World Efficiency
During my testing, I recorded an impressive 14.8 kWhr/100 km efficiency, slightly better than the advertised figure. This was achieved while primarily driving in Comfort or Eco modes. In conclusion, Smart #3 shines as an efficient daily driver but doesn’t encourage extreme performance driving.
A Readily Accessible Vehicle
The Smart #3 Premium makes for a comfortable ride well-suited for urban environments. Its lengthy safety systems, while effective, can be overly sensitive, with intrusive notifications for exceeding speed limits and aggressive lane-keeping assists. However, these systems are in line with the car’s mission of providing a secure driving experience.
Final Thoughts: A Stylish Urban Cruiser
To summarize the essence of ‘urban chic’, the Smart #3 successfully integrates modern style with traditional design motifs, ensuring it stands out on the road. Its distinctive appearance, combined with various customization options, captures attention and showcases Smart’s modern take on sustainable mobility.
The Verdict: Smart #3 Premium’s Rating
For all its stylish attributes and features, the 2025 Smart #3 Premium earns a solid 3.5/5 rating in my books.
Thank you for reading! For more updates, news, and reviews about Smart, make sure to check out Tarmac Life.
This Smart #3 Premium review is sponsored by Smart New Zealand, with special thanks to Arek and Sam for their support.
By maintaining clear structure and engaging narrative, this article discusses the Smart brand’s introduction in New Zealand, bringing fresh perspectives on design and technology.
